The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into a train derailment that occurred on Sunday at Jere station. The incident involved the passenger train KA2/loco 2702, en route to Idu Station in Abuja from Rigasa Station in Kaduna.
The Explainer had reported, an Abuja-bound train from Kaduna derailed halfway to the nation’s capital on Sunday. The train, with dozens of passengers on board, departed Kaduna around 8:05 am but derailed at Jere about an hour later.
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According to Bimbo Oladeji, a spokesperson for the NSIB, preliminary fact-finding by investigators revealed that the train was travelling at a speed of 90 km/h in the section leading up to Jere station. The train, which departed Rigasa at 8:00 am with 685 passengers and crew on board, approached Jere station at approximately 9:28 am.
“However, while navigating a switch point north of Jere Station, the Bureau said the baggage van and one passenger coach derailed,” the statement read. “The derailed coaches were then dragged approximately 86 feet from the switch point before coming to a stop.”
Onboard the train were two drivers, two train guards, three travelling ticket collectors, 20 police escorts, and four bomb disposal unit members, in addition to the passengers.
“Thankfully, no passengers or crew members were injured. Following the incident, all passengers safely disembarked and were transported with the rear locomotive and the remaining 8 coaches to Abuja, where they arrived at 12:32 PM, slightly behind the scheduled arrival time of 10:17 AM,” the NSIB stated.
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The NSIB’s investigation aims to determine the circumstances that led to the derailment. “The investigation will examine factors such as the train’s speed, track conditions, mechanical components, and operational procedures,” the statement said.
NSIB boss Alex Badeh emphasized the importance of the investigation, stating, “The safety of passengers and crew is paramount, and NSIB is committed to ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to prevent reoccurrence and improve the safety of our railway systems.”
The Bureau will collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), to analyze data from the On-Train Monitoring Recorder (OTMR) and other critical sources of information.
As the investigation progresses, the NSIB has assured the public that updates will be provided, urging patience and discouraging speculation until factual findings are presented.
